Banana Pudding 12 Ways

Southern Living

From Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding to Banana Pudding Cheesecake, these twists on our favorite classic summer dessert will be the hit of the barbecue.

In the South, bananas aren’t just a side dish served with breakfast, or a healthy afternoon snack. They’ve earned their place as a staple of the Southern diet. Sliced and stacked on top fresh white bread that’s smeared with creamy peanut butter, they become the centerpiece of a lunch box classic. Baked into butter-rich batter with chopped walnuts, they become the namesake of banana bread, our favorite food gift. And layered between fluffy whipped cream, crispy Nilla Wafers and creamy vanilla pudding, they become part of an iconic Southern dessert—banana pudding. Universally loved and easy to make, this classic treat is ripe for riffs. Whether you prefer serving up your banana pudding in an oversized trifle for Sunday lunch, or caramelizing in ramekins then topping with homemade meringue for a dinner party, we’ve got a recipe you’re sure to go bananas for.

1 of 12Hector M. Sanchez

Coconut-Banana Pudding

This new take on classic Southern banana pudding offers a taste of the tropics. Make the whole recipe to feed a crowd, family-style, or halve and serve in individual bowls. Keep banana slices from turning brown by tossing with 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Dreamcakes can never make enough of our Banana Pudding cupcakes. They are the ultimate comfort food. The creamy Fresh Banana Curd is a treat all its own, but pair it with our Banana Cake and whipped cream, and you'll come running back for more.

Banana Pudding

This is definitely a cookie lover's version. Serve right away if you like crispy cookies, or chill overnight for softer texture. Delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. If you omit the meringue, you won't need to bake the pudding.

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10 of 12Photo: Jennifer Davick

Peanut Butter-Banana Sandwich Bread Puddings With Dark Caramel Sauce

These puff much like soufflés, so present to guests right out of the oven. Encourage them to hold off enjoying the desserts for five minutes while they cool slightly. Finish it all off with delicious Peanut Butter Streusel Topping and Dark Caramel Sauce.